Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Spread Food

CREAM CHEESE LOG WITH SWEET-AND-SPICY CRANBERRY RELISH

Steps:

• For the cranberry relish: Pulse the jalapeno in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the cranberries; pulse until finely chopped (but not ground). Transfer to a bowl and stir in the sugar, scallions, orange zest and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• For the cream cheese log: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, shredded cheese, lime zest and 1/4 teaspoon salt with a wooden spoon or spatula until well blended. Mix in the cilantro. Spoon onto a large piece of plastic wrap and form into an even 1-inch-diameter log. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Right before serving, unwrap the log and transfer it to a serving plate. Drain the cranberry mixture well, then carefully spoon a thick layer of it onto the cheese log, pressing all over to cover. Clean any spills from the serving plate and serve immediately with crackers or toasted bread.

CRANBERRY JALAPENO CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the first 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; cool completely., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in cranberry mixture until blended. Serve with crackers or sliced peppers.

SPICY AND SWEET CRANBERRY JALAPENO DIP

Steps:

• 1. In a medium-sized bowl, add chopped cranberries, green onion, cilantro and jalapeno. (NOTE: Don't use a food processor to chop these. It is slightly time consuming, but the cranberries will liquify if they are not hand-chopped.).
• 2. Pour sugar, lemon juice and salt over cranberry mixture and stir gently until blended.
• 3. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least one hour. If you prefer less tart cranberries, keep in the refrigerator overnight.
• 4. Take cranberry mixture out of the refrigerator and stir all ingredients together. Strain out the liquid using a colander with small holes.
• 5. Spread cream cheese over bottom of a pie plate or 9×9 dish.
• 6. Pour cranberry mixture atop cream cheese and keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.
• 7. Serve with Ritz crackers and enjoy!